8 Fantasy Books For Fans Of “game Of Thrones”
If Game of Thrones has left you yearning for more political intrigue, brutal battles, and steamy romances in expansive, intricate worlds, you’re in the right place. These eight books are crafted with the same mix of high-stakes drama, forbidden passions, and jaw-dropping twists that made Game of Thrones a global phenomenon. If you love a world where no one is truly safe, where power is everything, and where every page is laced with danger and desire, then buckle up—your next fantasy obsession is just a page away.
1. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Music, Magic, and the Weight of Destiny
Kvothe is a legend—one who is both a poet and a warrior, a lover and a king-in-the-making. But in this first installment of The Kingkiller Chronicle, he is far from the mythical figure he will one day become. Set in a world where magic is intertwined with every breath, Kvothe’s journey is one of discovery, love, and revenge. A chance encounter with a mysterious woman leads him into a world where the stakes are high, and every decision could alter the course of history.
Why it’s unforgettable: With its lyrical prose and complex world-building, The Name of the Wind drips with tension. Kvothe is a character you’ll root for even when he’s on the brink of losing everything. His relationships are fraught with passion and peril, making this story as intoxicating as it is tragic.
2. The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence
Dark Magic, Brutal Revenge, and a Prince’s Path to Power
The Broken Empire series follows Jorg Ancrath, a prince with a brutal past, a sharp mind, and a taste for revenge. Mark Lawrence’s world is one where magic is as twisted as the characters who wield it, and Jorg’s journey is a heart-pounding descent into a land where honor and love are rarities, and betrayal is a way of life. The series is filled with morally gray characters and explosive moments of passion that will have you turning pages long into the night.
Why it’s unforgettable: Jorg is no knight in shining armor—he’s dark, cunning, and unapologetic. His love interests are complicated and his desire for power doesn’t come without a cost. If Game of Thrones left you craving a protagonist who challenges the rules of honor and love, Jorg is the anti-hero of your dreams.
3. The Witcher Series by Andrzej Sapkowski
Monsters, Politics, and a Witcher’s Unyielding Love
Geralt of Rivia is a Witcher—a monster hunter cursed with powers that make him both a savior and a monster in the eyes of society. As he navigates a world torn apart by war and political intrigue, Geralt is faced with complicated relationships, particularly with Yennefer, the powerful sorceress whose love for him is as dangerous as it is intoxicating. This series is filled with complex characters, heart-wrenching love stories, and brutal conflicts that will keep you on edge.
Why it’s unforgettable: Like Game of Thrones, The Witcher takes a hard look at the blurred line between right and wrong. The chemistry between Geralt and Yennefer is palpable, and their passionate, tumultuous relationship will captivate anyone who loves a romance that is as wild and unpredictable as the world it inhabits.
4. The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
Morally Gray Heroes, Dark Humor, and Relentless Power Struggles
In Abercrombie’s The First Law trilogy, there are no heroes—just characters who navigate a world of war, political maneuvering, and deeply buried desires. From the hard-as-nails warrior Logen Ninefingers to the ruthless inquisitor Glokta, every character is flawed and driven by personal motivations that often clash with the greater good. There’s romance here too, but it’s complicated by betrayal, vengeance, and violence.
Why it’s unforgettable: This series is like Game of Thrones if the characters were even darker, the betrayals even more painful, and the consequences even direr. Abercrombie’s world is grim, but it’s also full of the kind of character-driven drama that will leave you reeling with every plot twist. You’ll love the tension, the violence, and, yes, the forbidden passions that arise when power is at stake.
5. The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
Epic Battles, Unbreakable Bonds, and a World on the Brink of Collapse
This is the series that will make you lose yourself in a world of storms, ancient powers, and high-stakes political drama. Set on the shattered world of Roshar, The Stormlight Archive features a cast of richly developed characters, from Kaladin, a former soldier struggling to overcome his past, to Shallan, a brilliant young woman hiding dark secrets. Each character’s journey is filled with intense conflict, with dangerous alliances and forbidden romances that unfold against the backdrop of a world at war.
Why it’s unforgettable: Sanderson creates a sprawling epic filled with intricate relationships, from deeply personal love stories to political machinations that will have you at the edge of your seat. The romantic tension between characters is palpable, and as the battles rage and secrets are revealed, you’ll find yourself desperately turning pages, wanting more.
6. The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson
Ancient Powers, Betrayal, and the Endless Struggle for Power
The Malazan Book of the Fallen is a monumental fantasy series that takes the complexities of Game of Thrones to an entirely new level. The world of Malazan is filled with gods, dragons, and warring armies, where every character is caught up in a brutal, ever-shifting game of power. Amidst the chaos, there are characters whose loyalties and love lives are constantly tested. From the passionate relationships that erupt between soldiers to the twisted alliances of those in power, the stakes are high, and nothing is guaranteed.
Why it’s unforgettable: Erikson’s world is vast and unforgiving, yet full of tragic beauty. This series will keep you enthralled, as political intrigue, military might, and deeply woven romance collide in a series that doesn’t hold back. You’ll be sucked into a world where survival is a game—and the price for playing is steep.
7. The Lightbringer Series by Brent Weeks
Color, Magic, and a War-Torn World
In The Lightbringer series, magic is based on light and color, where powerful sorcerers wield the ability to manipulate light itself. Gavin Guile, the world’s most powerful ‘Prism,’ is forced to confront both external threats and his own fractured morality. There’s a captivating love story between Gavin and Karris, a fierce warrior, but it’s one that’s layered with secrets, betrayal, and the constant tension of a world on the brink of war.
Why it’s unforgettable: With its fast-paced action, complex characters, and power struggles reminiscent of Game of Thrones, The Lightbringer series is a fantasy that blends magic and emotional depth. The romantic tension between Gavin and Karris keeps you hooked, while the layers of political and magical intrigue create a world you won’t want to leave.
8. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
War, Magic, and a Reluctant Heroine’s Battle for Power
In this harrowing tale, Rin, a war orphan from a small village, rises to become one of the most feared warriors in her world. As she trains at the prestigious Sinegard Academy and faces the horrors of war, Rin discovers her latent magical powers—and learns how dangerous they can be. With brutal violence, high-stakes political games, and an epic battle for control, Rin’s story is one of survival, sacrifice, and the price of power.
Why it’s unforgettable: The Poppy War is a heart-wrenching, violent exploration of war and power, where love and loyalty often collide with brutal consequences. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan who loves a deeply flawed protagonist, magical intrigue, and epic political drama, Rin’s journey will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Your Turn: Which Fantasy Epic Had You Hooked?
If you couldn’t get enough of Game of Thrones’ fierce battles, power-hungry lords, and twisted romances, which of these books are you diving into next? Or do you have a personal favorite in the genre that has captured your imagination just as fiercely? Share your top picks and let’s keep the conversation going—after all, the world of fantasy is vast, and there are endless stories just waiting to sweep us away!
